Weather in Salinas, California
Fog and sun in daily rhythm. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Partly Cloudy—68°48°
- SundayMay 17Mostly Clear—69°45°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—80°47°
- TuesdayMay 19Clear—85°50°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast—77°50°
- ThursdayMay 21Overcast—70°48°
- FridayMay 22Partly Cloudy—71°48°
- PM 2.5
- 9.6 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 15.0 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.5 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 80.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 1:12 PM
- Moonset
- 3:40 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Fog and sun in daily rhythm
Salinas at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 22°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: March 27 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
September brings Salinas's warmest temperatures (~64°F mean) while December marks the coldest period (~51°F). January delivers peak rainfall at 2.6 inches, contrasting with July's completely dry conditions at 0.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52° | 2.6″ | 6 |
| February | 53° | 2.4″ | 6 |
| March | 55° | 2.1″ | 5 |
| April | 57° | 0.9″ | 3 |
| May | 59° | 0.4″ | 1 |
| June | 62° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| July | 63° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| August | 64° | 0.0″ | 0 |
| September | 64° | 0.1″ | 0 |
| October | 62° | 0.6″ | 1 |
| November | 56° | 1.3″ | 3 |
| December | 51° | 2.1″ | 5 |
Regional context
Salinas falls within a hot-summer Mediterranean climate region that extends across nearby cities. This climate zone shares similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions throughout the area.
Similar climates: Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, Riverside, CA, Sacramento, CA.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the peak blooming period for California poppies across the surrounding hills.
American goldfinches typically molt into their bright yellow breeding plumage during April and May.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Salinas?
- Spring's final frost usually occurs around mid-April in Salinas, while the first fall frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Salinas?
- January receives the most rainfall, averaging about 2.6 inches, while the city's total annual precipitation reaches roughly 13 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Salinas?
- September typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 64°F.
- What is the coldest month in Salinas?
- December usually brings the coldest weather, averaging about 51°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Salinas?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Salinas get?
- Salinas experiences about 31 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Salinas?
- Salinas's USDA hardiness zone reflects its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city ZIP code.
Climate
Salinas, California experiences a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. January temperatures typically hover near 52°F while July averages 63°F — representing an 11°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 13 inches across roughly 31 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here depend on the city's latitude (36.7°N), proximity to large water bodies, and elevation. These factors determine what grows in the area, when frost occurs, and daily weather conditions.